Weight Loss Clinic
Weight Loss Support Project
The high incidence of obesity in Ireland
is of growing concern. The Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance North/South
Food Consumption Survey found that 18 percent of the population are obese
and 39 percent overweight. Obesity and overweight increase the risk of
developing CHD, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and some forms of cancer.
It is well accepted that the best treatment for obesity is a combination
of energy intake reduction and regular exercise. Previously, dietary compliance
has been shown to improve when monitored on a regular basis. The lengthy
delay between clinic visits to the dietitian has been reported by those
who failed to lose weight to be the main reason for poor compliance. A
weight monitoring clinic was designed to offer those requiring regular
support and encouragement the opportunity to monitor their weights on
a more regular basis, while waiting for their return visit to the dietitian
in the Outpatient Departments. As resources were limited, an efficient
use of time was essential. The clinic design was: 1 h/week; eight to fourteen
appointments per clinic; weekly or fortnightly visit; return patients
only. The clinic was started on a trial basis in June 1999, and was evaluated
in December 2000. Referrals were only taken from other dietitians, and
each participant was informed in advance of the necessity of having a
return Outpatient Department appointment for full dietary review. Forty-eight
participants attended more than three times up to and including December
2000 (seven males, forty-one females). The number of clinic visits ranged
from three to twenty-eight. Mean weight at start of clinic was 92.94 kg.
Of the group attending, 67 percent (thirty-two) successfully lost weight
and maintained this weight loss. This ranged from 0.1 kg to 23.5 kg. While
in total 31 percent (fifteen) of attendees had gained weight at December
2000, all attendees, including this fifteen, had lost weight at some point
during the clinic. Self-reported reasons given for weight regain included:
(1) non-attendance at weight clinic (40 percent); (2) Christmas or holidays
(13 percent); (3) stress related to family, work (13 percent); (4) ill-health
or medication (13 percent). The remaining 20 percent reported no reason.
Other findings included better compliance with diet and improved overall
balance. There was an overall improvement in other dietary-related problems,
e.g. reduced cholesterol, improved glycaemic control, reduced blood pressure.
The participants attending the clinic reported decreased clothes size
and improved self-image and confidence. They were more enthusiastic about
dietary compliance, and all attendees expressed their satisfaction with
the clinic and the service.
Source: Munnelly P, Feehan S. Department
of Nutrition and Dietetics, Adelaide and Meath Hospitals, Dublin, Republic
of Ireland. 2000
Weight Loss Methods
The science of weight loss and obesity management is constantly evolving,
along with research into weight loss drugs, supplements and gastric bypass
surgery. At present, however, a balanced diet combined with regular exercise
remains the favored weight management strategy of most weight loss experts. Return to Weight Loss Data
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